Page 35 of Ravenous

Finn crossed his arms. “I have not beenmoonfaced.”

“You have. Even Marci noticed. But she uses a different word - smitten.”

“Oh god.” Uncrossing his arms, Finn gestured helplessly. “I need a poker face, she’s going to hassle me so much.”

Owen laughed this time, clapping Finn on the shoulder. “Probably not any more than she usually does. So? What’s the verdict?”

Finn looked up at the ceiling, trying hardnotto be smitten but it was a losing battle. “It’s official. He gave me a yes on New Year’s Eve.”

“Good for you!” Owen seemed genuinely pleased but Finn bit his lip, not wanting to accept the accolades just yet.

“He’s still a little skittish but I’m letting him take this as slowly as he wants.”

“Wow. Youaregrowing up.” Owen raised his eyebrows.

“Hey!” Finn was ready to argue but stopped short. “Actually, I guess I am. But what does Ollie have to do with The Pointe?”

“Well,” Owen refocused on Finn, lacing his hands together and placing them in his lap, and Finn could see him putting on the mantle of venue manager. “I’m thinking of offering him a job here. As our social media manager.”

“Really?” Finn bubbled over with excitement.

“We got six bookings for next year from the little work he did on New Year’s Eve and I amnotcut out for that kind of stuff.” Owen shook his head with a grimace.

“You don’t even have social media.” Finn pointed out.

“Neither do you.”

“I have a Facebook. That I use sometimes. And a very old LiveJournal from my teenage years.”

“My point stands.”

“Well, if you askme,” Finn put his hand on his chest. “And it seems like you are, I think it’s a great idea. Ollie’s been looking for a job, I’ll tell him to send over his resume.”

“Wonderful. Will it be a problem for you two to work together?”

“I don’t think so. I’m running around most of the time and I’ll be on the road a lot once the shuttle bus is ready, so I doubt we’ll see much of each other. I guess it’s okay that your staff is dating?”

Owen chuckled. “I’d be the biggest hypocrite ever if I said no. Okay, it’s settled. Once I get Ollie’s resume, I’ll call him and, if everything’s good? He can start in a couple of days.”

“He doesn’t need to meet John, does he?” Finn’s protective streak let out a small roar. John, The Pointe’s owner, could be an intimidating jerk and Finn didn’t want Ollie subjected to him.

“No. John’s down in Texas for the winter. He isn’t due back until April, maybe May, and I don’t think he knows what social media is.”

Finn laughed. “Probably not.” He stood, straightening his jacket and loose bow tie. “I’d say let me know how it goes but I’m sure I’ll hear about it from Ollie.”

“I’m sure you will.” Owen stood as well, giving Finn a teasing grin. “When you two are more established, let me know. We’ll double date!”

Finn groaned. “I think you should’ve just fired me.”

11

OLLIE

Sittinginhiscarat the far end of The Pointe’s parking lot, Ollie sipped his large coffee, attempting to psych himself up for his first day of work.

He should be happy. He got a job without even trying, one that was right in line with his hobbies and career. It even paid well and came with stellar benefits. But he harbored too much fear to feel positive about this. What if he screwed up? Made one of the guests angry? Or made Owen angry? That would threaten Ollie and Liam’s friendship. And complicate things with Finn.

When he’d asked for a sign to help him decide, he didn’t think he’d get one. New Year’s Eve and fate had conspired together, bringing Finn back into his life once again, his gentle persistence warming Ollie’s heart, and as they’d sat on that bench with the fireworks blooming overhead, Finn had looked at him with eyes full of hope and tenderness. And instead of being turned off or thinking it was shallow, Ollie had felt strangely lucky. Finn was so patient, so dashing, he’d even draped his coat over Ollie’s shoulders just like he’d done at the view, acting every bit like the chivalrous knight he was, and despite all the warning bells, Ollie was falling for him.

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